MP: Fast trains not derailed

CORIO MP Richard Marles says Labor’s vision for a new high-speed train service connecting Melbourne to Brisbane will not derail plans for the Geelong project.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese outlined an election promise at the weekend for a new high-speed rail project to connect capital cities along the east coast.

Mr Albanese committed $500m within the first budget, with construction to begin between Sydney and Newcastle.

The proposal was immediately called into question by Victorian senator Sarah Henderson, who said it “demonstrated utter contempt” for the Geelong community.

“Anthony Albanese’s announcement of a fast rail plan between Melbourne and Brisbane, excluding Geelong, is shocking,” she said.

“Labor’s $500m commitment is a fraction of the $200300bn estimated cost.”

Ms Henderson, who joined Prime Minister Scott Morrison in announcing a $2bn commitment for Geelong fast rail in 2019, said the planning stage was now under way.

“Geelong fast rail is now at risk if ever Labor was to be elected,” she said. “Not only did Mr Marles and Ms Coker fail to match the Morrison government’s commitment to Geelong fast rail back in 2019, they continue to demonstrate a contemptible disregard for this vital infrastructure project for our region.”

Mr Marles said Sunday’s announcement would not hinder the Geelong project.

“There is no risk to the project which, thanks to Senator Henderson’s own government, currently does not even have a forecast completion date,” he said.

“Labor has made clear that fast and high-speed rail will be an important element of our smart regionalisation plan.”

During the last Labor government, more than $3bn was committed to regional rail projects in Victoria.

Opposition spokeswoman on Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King said Ms Henderson’s claims were misleading. “Labor’s commitment to high speed rail from Melbourne to Brisbane – including stops in Canberra, Sydney, Newcastle and other regional centres along the way – in no way diminishes our commitment to Geelong fast rail,” Ms King said.

She said Labor had committed to the region’s transport needs ahead of the forthcoming election with a $125m contribution to upgrade the next stage of Barwon Heads Rd. “Senator Henderson might like to brag about securing funding for Geelong fast rail, but the reality is she and Scott Morrison have not delivered a thing,” she said.